Experience

What does homelessness look like to you?…A guy on the park bench with a bag full of glue?Or the man sat in the subway with nothing to do?What does homelessness look like to you?

How homeless do you think you are?Sure you’ve got a nice house and a job and a carBut you really don’t know quite how fragile they areHow homeless do you think you are?

Six months ago I had it allTwo kids and a girlfriend, pictures on the wallAnd to everyone looking in I had it allSix months ago I did have it all

But then one day everything brokeArguing over nothing, the monster awokeWent from being ‘me with a house’ to ‘that homeless bloke”Cause one day everything broke

And so then I’m out on the streetTwo quid in my pocket and nothing to eatRelying on others for somewhere to sleepIt’s that or I’m out on the street

So what I am trying to say?You never quite know how your life’s going to swayWe’re all so naïve thinking life’s all okYou don’t know how life’s going to sway

If you’ve suffered with your mental healthYou’ll know it’s intrinsically tied to the state of your wealthAnd it’s one sneaky fucker, not overt, it’s stealth,When you suffer with bad mental health

Let’s say you break up, and like that’s not bad enoughYour friends can’t help you and then you’re out sleeping roughAnd the cold, and the pity and shame is so toughWhen you’re out on the street sleeping rough

You try your best to keep your jobBut thinking of life makes you act like a slobAnd sooner or later you give it some gobAnd your boss lets you go from that job

No job, and no house – but hey, you’ve got your carBut it don’t run on nothing – fresh air won’t get you farThe car loan payments get missed and you’re under the starsNow no job and no house and the bank took your car.

Two months of no money, no food and no rentAnd if your friends can’t help you, your money’s all spentThen you’ll find yourself on the same slippery descentNo money, no food and no rent

How homeless do you think you are?Take a look in the mirror, don’t have to look farLook around at your house and your job and your carHow homeless do you think you are?

Next time you see someone homeless – don’t just pass byFor “There but for the good grace of God go I”And even though the thought of this might just be risibleThey are still a human, not fucking invisible

So where would you go if your life’s in a state?To the angels in blue, if you’re in HarrogateWith warm beds and support they put food on your plateIf you’re homeless & your life’s in a state

You’ll never quite know the good work they doWith smiles and compassion & hoodies of blueAnd not one person will they ever rejectThe angels at the Harrogate Homeless Project.

Matt 2017

Matt was a resident at Harrogate Homeless Project, and has recently moved into more independent living. This poem is about his own experiences.

Thank you to Charlotte from HHP for sending this to us, and Matt for giving us permission to publish it on the blog.